Sunday sees two Premier League title contenders square off at the Etihad Stadium when Manchester City host Arsenal.
The two sides are separated by just one point ahead of the clash between third and first, though rivals Liverpool could shoot to the top of the English top flight if they beat Brighton earlier in the day.
In the last direct league meeting between any of the top three this season, there are injury concerns for both Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta to consider. The Cityzens boss watched as a number of key performers limped out of international duty, while the Gunners are patiently awaiting news on their star winger after he was ruled out of March’s friendlies.
Here are all the Man City and Arsenal players ruled out of Sunday’s huge clash and those facing anxious races to be fit in time.
Goalkeeper and defenders
First choice goalkeeper Ederson has been missing since sustaining a leg injury in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool earlier in March, but there is optimism the Brazilian will be fit in time to replace Stefan Ortega between the sticks.
It’s in defence where Guardiola could be most limited in his team selection this weekend. Kyle Walker withdrew from England’s friendly defeat to Brazil early on and John Stones later suffered a similar fate in the 2-2 draw with Belgium.
Manuel Akanji also picked up a knock on international duty with Switzerland.
Midfielders
While Man City’s backline may be a little stretched, Guardiola was at least handed a boost with both Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish pictured in training in midweek.
De Bruyne pulled out of Belgium’s squad due to a groin problem, having already been sidelined for four months this season, and sat out of City’s clash with Newcastle United in the FA Cup before the March international break.
Grealish was named on the bench for that FA Cup game and is presumed fit, though he hasn’t played since late February.
Matheus Nunes is yet to break free of his squad player role at the Etihad Stadium and received treatment for a knock to his foot while away on Portugal duty.
Forwards
There were scares over Erling Haaland‘s fitness after the Norwegian was pictured limping out of training with his national team. However, the giant striker started both of his country’s games and should pull through to feature against Arsenal.
Player | Status |
|---|---|
Ederson | Doubtful |
Manuel Akanji | Doubtful |
Kyle Walker | Doubtful |
John Stones | Doubtful |
Matheus Nunes | Doubtful |
Kevin De Bruyne | Doubtful |
Goalkeeper and defenders
David Raya wasn’t present for Arsenal’s last Premier League outing against Brentford, being ineligible to face his parent club, but played his part as the Gunners eliminated Porto from the Champions League on penalties in the last 16.
Gabriel Magalhaes is hopeful of shaking off a suspected Achilles tendon injury which saw him withdraw from the Brazil squad. Jurrien Timber is close to a return but won’t be rushed back after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in August.
Forwards
Arsenal don’t have any worries in midfield at present but are sweating over the fitness of two key attackers in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Starboy Saka dropped out of the England squad after being assessed by the national team at St. George’s Park, while Martinelli hasn’t featured for Arsenal since being replaced in the 6-0 thumping of Sheffield United at the start of March with a suspected foot problem.
Player | Status |
|---|---|
Jurrien Timber | Out |
Gabriel Magalhaes | Doubtful |
Gabriel Martinelli | Doubtful |
Bukayo Saka | Doubtful |
